👻⚾ Ghost Runner at the Door

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Good morning Saint John! It’s Halloween and the Jays are this close to winning the World Series. So, whether it’s official or not, the nationwide rule is trick-or-treating wraps up before 9pm tonight… 🧙‍♂️⚾

Here’s today’s lineup:

• Time-travel rhymes launch from Saint John 🚀

• Eight cents closer to a full tank ⛽

• Your picks for the best local trails 🌲 

Let’s swing into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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LOCALS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Maestro’s got the time machine running

Maestro Fresh Wes is not a man who sits still. The Canadian hip-hop icon turned Saint John creative dynamo releases his fifth children’s album in five years, Rhyme Travellers: Back to the Time Machine, today. It’s packed with beats, life lessons, and a father-son story that hits close to home.

“I just love tapping into my creativity,” Maestro said. “I always wanted to do a story about a father and son duo who travel, and when I came up with the idea to do it in rhyme form, that’s where Rhyme Travellers came from.”

The record follows Shaka Shabazz, an adventurous kid who zooms through time with his dad, Professor Ben. They explore ancient Egypt, battle King Tut in a dance-off, and glide through the future on roller skates, learning along the way that studying the past can help you navigate the future.

Maestro draws inspiration from his own childhood. “My slogan is ‘don’t make records, make history,” he said. “Kids would get it on an animated level and parents would get the deeper stuff. I made sure the beats were dope for parents too, so they wouldn’t mind dropping the kids to school with the album on.”

The album also features acclaimed Canadian musicians JRDN, Saukrates, Dub J, Solitaire, and more. Ten-year-old Kalu Thomas voices Shaka Shabazz. His late father, Toronto MC King Reign, was a close friend of Maestro's. The recording of Kalu’s vocals happened on his father’s birthday, a moment Maestro says was meant to be. 

Much of the album was produced in Saint John, with local talent front and centre. The young voices were recorded at Trillium House on King Street with producer Stephen Hero and engineer Paul Milner. “I feel proud that I introduced them to each other,” Maestro said.

Maestro calls this record the masterpiece of the series. “The rhymes are dope for the kids and the parents. I just encourage kids to be creative and keep using their imagination. I’m still using mine. If I can do it at this age, they can too. The sky’s the limit, so fasten your seat belt and go back to the time machine.”

Rhyme Trevellers: Back to the Time Machine is available on all digital platforms today!

NEWS NOTES

⛽ Pump prices getting a little lighter

Premier Susan Holt says the province is cutting the “carbon adjuster” on gas starting December 1, knocking about eight cents off every litre. That could be about $150 to $200 a year in savings for the average New Brunswicker who fills up weekly. The decision comes after months of hearings with retailers and the Energy and Utilities Board. It’s meant to ease costs for drivers without throwing the fuel market off balance.

🌲 Big plans for big visits

The province just dropped a five-year tourism plan with a bold goal: add a cool $1 billion to New Brunswick’s annual tourism revenue by 2031. The “Fresh Perspective” strategy aims to show off every corner of the province, from winter adventures to beach escapes, while celebrating Acadian and Indigenous culture and boosting local events.

Officials say it’s not just about visitors but hometown pride too, reminding New Brunswickers that our trails, tides, and towns are pretty great already. The plan focuses on growing the Quebec, Ontario, and U.S. markets and keeping tourism humming year-round. If it works, the province’s $2.7 billion tourism industry could soon be worth $3.7 billion…and maybe that means more visitors finally figuring out how to pronounce Quispamsis.

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - Realtime emergency room wait times now available
Tuesday - Large collection of magalodon teeth on local auction
Wednesday - SJ Strong & Free brand battles with Alberta
Thursday - Quispamsis trails make it to video

💬 The Results: Your Favourite Local Hiking Trails

We asked where you head when you need a breath of fresh air, and Saint John delivered. The votes rolled in from dog walkers, daydreamers, and dedicated “Rez” regulars with strong trail opinions.

Here’s how the top spots ranked:

• Irving Nature Park — 36%

• Harbour Passage — 22%

• ‘Ya Missed the Best One!’ — 22%

• Split Rock — 10%

Irving Nature Park took top spot as the region’s favourite place to walk, with Harbour Passage close behind. Clearly we like easy access, lots of parking and water views. 

The most popular spot we left off the list was the Rez, which is one great spot - especially if you’re trying to get some steps with your dog.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

What we’re doing this weekend

Sloan | October 31
Canadian indie rock heroes Sloan hit the Imperial Theatre on Halloween at 7:30 p.m. Celebrate over 30 years of fuzzed-out guitars, power pop, and catchy tracks from a band credited with shaping the East Coast alternative scene. Tickets are $50 for adults, $45 for members. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their hits, it’s a night of classic rock energy not to be missed.

The Purse Project | November 1
The 10th Annual Purse Project is back, collecting new or gently used handbags filled with toiletries, socks, and other essentials for women at risk. It’s a simple way to make someone’s day brighter and a great excuse to clean out your closet. Drop off donations this Saturday from 10am–2pm at TD Station’s east parking lot on Station Street.

Fill the Bus for the Animals | November 1
Swing by the Rothesay Atlantic Superstore from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and help fill a Saint John Transit bus with pet food, supplies, and essentials for animals in need. Every bag, can, and box counts for local pets waiting for their forever homes. A wish list will be available on site—stop by, say hi, and share some love with furry friends in the community.

Foodstock The Woodstock Experience | November 1
The KV Food Basket is bringing the Woodstock vibes to Saint John with Foodstock! Live music, a lively auction, games, and good vibes await at the Bill McGuire Centre. Doors open at 7 p.m. Dress in your best boho-chic and browse the Hippy Dippy Boutique for a finishing touch. It’s a night to groove, bid, and support a great cause, so grab your friends and get ready to rock.

Renforth Artisan Christmas Market | November 2
The Bill McGuire Centre is the place to be for holiday shopping with a fully booked lineup of talented artisans. Browse jewelry, pottery, fibre arts, glasswork, wood turnings, paintings, home décor, soaps, and more. It’s a perfect chance to pick up unique gifts and support local makers. The market runs for six hours at 97 James Renforth Drive in Rothesay…come early and enjoy the craftsmanship.

Got an Event to Share?

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍We were orbiting around town this week and touched down in the dining room at Pizza Bread uptown! Big shoutout to Liane D. and Eddy D. for nailing the guess…and knowing where some bomb Detroit-style pizza is.

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who wishes they had some tickets to the show in TO tonight…🏟️

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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